JONES COUNTY, Mississippi (WDAM) – After nearly seven years of planning, children in Jones County now have a safe place to go if they are victims of physical or sexual abuse.
On Wednesday, the new Cherished Hearts, Inc. child welfare center in Laurel was officially opened, marking the new center as the organization’s 13th location in the state.
Dozens of leaders from Laurel and Jones County gathered for the opening.
State Senator Robin Robinson was one of the leading minds that got the operation off the ground.
“If you look at our country, you see that there are over 2,000 children who are abused and neglected and dying as a result,” Robinson said.
Jones County reported that over 90 children needed assistance last year.
Since the new center opened on August 5, more than 18 children in the district have already been cared for there.
“If we keep going like this, we will reach over 200 children this year,” said Executive Director Robin Gibson. “It tells us how many children have been dropped, how many children have not been seen, how many children have not had a voice heard, even though we need to reach them.”
The building was renovated into a child-friendly facility with the help of grants and community support.
“The community has been very receptive from day one, welcoming us not only with volunteer opportunities but also with generous donations,” said Dana Bumgardner, chair of the board of directors.
Cherished Hearts has four forensic interview staff and a family resource attorney.
“They are often referred for psychotherapy and medical evaluation and then connected to our legal system,” Gibson said.
The organization stated that it plans to expand its operations in the future.
Cherished Hearts is located at 1105 W. Sixth St., Laurel.
For more information about the organization click HERE.
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